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Nelson files bill to hire more mental health counselors in schools

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U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) filed legislation today to hire more mental health professionals in schools across the country.

The move comes in the wake of recent school shootings in Florida and Texas, and a 2016 report from the Florida Association of School Psychologists that found Florida has only one school psychologist for every 1,983 students.

Compared to the nationally recommended ratio of between 500 and 700 students per psychologist, the data shows Florida has only one-fourth the number of school psychologists it needs to properly care for its students. And that lack of available mental health professionals in Florida’s schools is one of the reasons why only a small percentage of children in Florida who need mental health services receive them.

“We can’t allow what happened in Parkland and in Texas to become the new normal in this country,” Nelson said on the Senate floor Monday. “We have to do more to protect our kids in school and ensure that any student who needs mental health services is able to get them.”

If approved, the legislation would require the U.S. Department of Education to conduct a study to determine which areas of the country have a shortage of school mental health professionals. It would also provide federal education grants to colleges and universities that partner with low-income school districts to train school counselors, social workers, psychologists and other mental health professionals in the underserved school districts that need them the most.

And finally, to encourage metal health professionals to work in these school districts, Nelson’s bill would establish a federal student loan forgiveness program for mental health professionals who work at least five years in a low-income school district.

Nelson says he started working on the measure in the wake of the Parkland tragedy but last week’s shooting at a high school in Santa Fe, Texas created a new sense of urgency in getting it approved.

The lack of mental health professionals at schools in Florida was one of several issues raised in the wake of the tragic shooting in Parkland, Florida earlier this year. In response to the tragedy, the Florida Legislature approved $69 million to provide additional mental health resources in schools in Florida.

Some mental health professionals have said the funding approved by the Legislature is a good first step, but still not enough. They also say even more will be needed to hire mental health professionals in areas that have been traditionally hard to staff, such as rural and low-income school districts.

To help address those issues, among others, Nelson’s legislation would create federal-grant funding and student-loan forgiveness opportunities specifically for the counselors and higher-education programs that work to provide services in the districts that need them the most.

The legislation is cosponsored by Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT).

Text of the bill is available here.

Gov. Scott Directs Florida Dept. of State to Draw Down $19 Million in Federal Funding for Elections Cybersecurity

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Following Governor Rick Scott’s recent direction to the Florida Department of State (DOS) to hire five cyber security specialists to ensure Florida’s elections remain secure, the Governor today directed DOS to draw down $19 million in federal funding to further enhance cybersecurity in Florida’s elections. The Department will submit a plan to the federal government as outlined by federal law to bolster security for local elections offices, who are responsible for elections security. Once this plan is approved by Federal Elections Assistance Commission, DOS will work with the Florida Legislature to provide this funding to Supervisors of Elections, as well as bolster state efforts to enhance cybersecurity and voting practices prior to this November’s elections.

Governor Scott said, “The integrity of our elections is paramount, and we’ll keep fighting to ensure that every Floridian continues to have confidence in our elections process. By directing DOS to draw down more federal funding, we are providing the resources our local elections officials need to keep our elections secure. I will continue to do everything in my power to make sure that Florida has zero fraud in our elections.”

Recent actions taken by the Scott Administration to enhance voting security:

  • DOS has also been working diligently with Supervisors of Elections to help Florida counties modernize their voting systems. More than two-thirds of Florida counties have completed a voting equipment modernization and the majority of the remaining counties are in the process of completing a modernization or upgrade.
  • Prior to the 2016 election, DOS upgraded to state-of-the-art hardware, software and firewalls to safeguard voter information in the Florida Voter Registration System (FVRS) and prevent any possible hacking attempts from being successful.
  • DOS is also enhancing the security of the Florida Election Watch website to ensure there is no disruption in election night reporting of results as well as strengthening protections of Florida’s online voter registration website.
  • During the 2018 Legislative Session, DOS received $1.9 million in funding to provide grants to Supervisors of Elections for the purchase of a Network Monitoring Security solution, called ALBERT, that is offered through the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC). This system identifies and shares information about potential threats with states and assists with the 24-7 monitoring of state networks for suspicious activity. Several Supervisors of Elections have completed the process to get ALBERT online in their county, and many others have initiated the process.

Mast Secures Big Wins For Local Water In Infrastructure Bill

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U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18) today secured several big wins for local water as his committee of Transportation and Infrastructure considered and passed the Water Resources and Development Act.  Mast’s successes included the passage of an amendment to develop a massive water filtration system capable of removing harmful algal blooms from water discharged onto the Treasure Coast, passage of an amendment to re-evaluate the Lake Okeechobee discharge schedule with the aim of reducing the frequency of discharges and a commitment from the Committee Chairman to authorize the EAA southern storage reservoir (from Senator Joe Negron’s SB 10) as soon as the Army Corps completes its required review of the Post-Authorization Change Report.

“Last year, I brought Committee Chairman Bill Shuster, other members of this committee and Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to our district to see our water issues firsthand, and over the last several months, I’ve been collecting stories from people all across our area to highlight to leaders in Washington how dire our situation really is.  Congress has heard our pleas, and water infrastructure leaders have now committed to authorizing the EAA southern storage reservoir this year once the Army Corps completes their review,” Rep. Mast said. “Building on the millions of dollars that we secured earlier this year to combat harmful algal blooms, we also secured big wins in this bill to direct the Army Corps to re-evaluate LORS, which will decrease the frequency of discharges, and develop large-scale water filtration technology to clean water that is discharged onto the Treasure Coast.  There is a lot more work to do, but today is a great day in the fight to secure the environmental, social and economic future of our community.”

Yesterday, Rep. Mast announced that he has secured a commitment from Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster and Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Chairman Garret Graves to include authorization of the EAA Reservoir as part of this year’s Water Resources and Development Act as soon as the Army Corps completes its required review of the Post-Authorization Change Report.  The bill passed by the committee today includes important placeholder language that will be replaced by a full authorization of the project upon a favorable report of the project from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

“Authorization of this storage reservoir is a priority, and we are committed to including authorization of this project in this year’s Water Resources and Development Act (WRDA) pending [the Army Corps’] timely and favorable recommendation,” Chairmen Shuster and Graves wrote in a letter led by Rep. Mast to the Army Corps on May 22, 2018. 

Also included in the bill are two efforts championed by Rep. Mast:

The St. Lucie Coastal Storm Risk Management Project: This provision authorizes a project in St. Lucie County to restore beaches that have been eroded by storms and establishes a maintenance plan to re-nourish the beach every two to five years.

The Kissimmee River Project: Under this provision, the State of Florida will receive credit toward the state’s 50% share of the total project cost for work the state has already completed to restore the Kissimmee River to a more natural flow, reducing the negative impacts of Lake Okeechobee.

The Water Resources and Development Act passed the committee today unanimously.  The bill is expected to be considered by the full House of Representatives next month.

Additional Information on Mast Amendments Included in the Bill and Passed By Committee

Lake Okeechobee Regulation Schedule Review 

Problem: The Herbert Hoover Dike Rehabilitation project is on track to be completed in 2022.  Once that project is complete, it will have a significant positive impact on the flood control mission that the Army Corps administers.  The Lake Okeechobee Regulation Schedule determines when water must be discharged from the lake, based in large part on the integrity of the Herbert Hoover Dike.  The Lake Okeechobee Regulation Schedule was last updated in 2008; therefore, discharge decisions are still being based on data that is over a decade old.  

Solution: This amendment directs the Army Corps to update the Lake Okeechobee Review Regulation Schedule (LORS) starting in 2019 to ensure the most up-to-date flood control data is available upon completion of the dike in 2022, ensuring that discharges from Lake Okeechobee are only done when absolutely necessary.  

Engineering Research and Development Center Harmful Algal Blooms Program

Problem: When harmful algal blooms are present in Lake Okeechobee and the Army Corps discharges water into the estuaries, the rate of flow is almost 11 billion gallons of toxic water flooding into the rivers per day.  Currently, there is no filtration system capable of sufficiently cleaning water at that rate.

Solution:  This amendment authorizes a five-year program for the Army Corps’ Engineering Research and Development Center to identify and develop technology for the large-scale filtration of water, including early detection, prevention and management of harmful algal blooms.  The amendment funds the program at $3 million per year.

Technical Assistance for Non-Federal Sponsors

Problem: The lack of technical assistance made available to the South Florida Water Management District’s work establishing the post-authorization change report for the EAA southern storage reservoir was one of the biggest challenges in getting that report to the Army Corps for approval in a timely manner.

Solution: This amendment directs the Army Corps to provide technical assistance to feasibility studies paid for by non-federal sponsors, expediting completion of studies and increasing the likelihood that the final report will be determined to be feasible.

Gov. Scott: Pratt & Whitney to Create 215 New Jobs and Expand in Palm Beach County

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Governor Rick Scott today announced that Pratt & Whitney, a leading global manufacturer of aircraft engines and auxiliary power units, will be expanding its site in Palm Beach County and creating 215 new jobs. In addition to these new jobs, since 2012, Pratt & Whitney has created 300 jobs for Florida families and employs a total of more than 1,300 Floridians.

Governor Scott said, “Today, I am proud to announce 215 new jobs for families in Palm Beach County. As Governor, one of the best parts of my job is meeting families across our state and over the past seven years, I’ve heard firsthand from them just how important our focus on job growth is to their success. Today’s exciting announcement shows why Florida is leading the nation in job growth and why we will never stop fighting to make sure that hard-working companies, like Pratt & Whitney, can grow and create jobs.”

David Carter, Senior Vice President of Engineering for Pratt & Whitney, said, “Pratt & Whitney is committed to expanding operations at our West Palm Beach facility and creating highly-skilled and good-paying jobs. We are thankful for the support we receive from the State of Florida and Palm Beach County as we add 215 positions to our employee base of 1,300 and $100 million in capital investment in addition to over $88 million we’ve invested in manufacturing and technology improvements to this site since 2012.”

Peter Antonacci, CEO of Enterprise Florida Inc., said, “Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in aviation technology and manufacturing. This expansion of the Pratt & Whitney footprint is a big win for Palm Beach County families.”

Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, said, “Pratt & Whitney’s expansion is another sign that employers are benefiting from Florida’s pro-business policies and finding the talent they need to grow in the Sunshine State. The new jobs in manufacturing and engineering will provide opportunities for hardworking families in the area.”

Palm Beach County Commissioner Steve Abrams said, “These new jobs are incredibly important for families in our community. Not only is Pratt & Whitney creating high-paying jobs, but it’s also making investments in our community to benefit our residents for years to come.”

Kelly Smallridge, president and CEO of the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County, said, “With deep roots in our county for more than 60 years, Pratt and Whitney has served as the foundation of our robust Aviation/Aerospace/Engineering (AAE) cluster and significant contributor to our community. Palm Beach County is home to more than 1,300 AAE companies that employ approximately 17,000 residents. This expansion further signifies the competitiveness of our county and state in growing high quality, innovation based companies.”

The project was made possible through strong partnerships between Enterprise Florida, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and Palm Beach County’s Business Development Board.

Air Force veteran claims $1 million prize playing $10,000,000 WORLD CLASS CASH Scratch-Off game

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The Florida Lottery announces that Paul Barrows, 61, of Brooksville, claimed a $1 million prize in the $10,000,000 WORLD CLASS CASH Scratch-Off game at Florida Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee. He chose to receive his winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $748,000.00.

Barrows purchased his winning ticket from Star Food Mart, located at 8078 South Sun Coast Boulevard in Homosassa. The retailer will receive a $2,000 bonus commission for selling the winning Scratch-Off ticket.

The $25 game, $10,000,000 WORLD CLASS CASH, features more than $549 million in total cash prizes, including two top prizes of $10 million and 46 prizes of $1 million! Overall odds of winning are one-in-2.89.

Scratch-Offs are an important part of the Lottery’s portfolio of games, generating more than $784 million for the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund (EETF) in FY 2016-17, and comprising approximately 68 percent of ticket sales.

Mayor Francis Suarez Endorses Diaz

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Suarez is the latest Miami-Dade mayor to join the long and growing list
of elected officials supporting Manny Diaz’s bid for Senate District 36

The Manny Diaz Campaign today announced the endorsement of Miami Mayor Francis Suarez. Diaz has represented District 103 in the Florida House of Representatives since 2012 and is seeking the District 36 seat in the state senate. Suarez is the latest Miami-Dade mayor to join a growing list of local officials backing Diaz.

“Manny Diaz is a compassionate leader who will be very effective in the Florida Senate,” said Suarez. “In the Florida House, he has demonstrated strong commitment to the communities he represents, and I am confident he will serve Senate District 36 with the same determination and responsiveness. I look forward to working with him.”

Suarez was elected Mayor last year with 86 percent of the vote. Prior to that, he had served on the Miami City Commission since 2009. He is Vice-Chair of the Miami-Dade Transportation Planning Organization and is the former President of the Miami-Dade County League of Cities.

“I’m honored to have Mayor Suarez’s support,” said Diaz. “He is an outstanding leader and public servant, and I’m grateful to have him join the other local leaders from across Miami-Dade who have joined our team. I look forward to continuing a strong partnership with them as we serve the best interests of our communities together.”

In addition to Suarez, Diaz has also been endorsed by several other Miami-Dade mayors, including Mayor Carlos Hernandez of Hialeah; Mayor JC Bermudez of Doral; Mayor Yioset De La Cruz of Hialeah Gardens; Mayor Manny Cid of Miami Lakes; and Mayor Roberto Martell of Medley.

ON THE WEB:  votemannydiazjr.com

Paid by Manny Diaz Jr., Republican, for State Senator

Florida Trust for Historic Preservation Announces 2018 Florida’s 11 to Save at Florida Preservation Conference in Jacksonville

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List spotlights the most threatened historic properties in the state, and drives the Florida Trust’s education and advocacy initiatives for the year ahead

The Florida Trust for Historic Preservation today announced the 2018 Florida’s 11 to Save, the most threatened historic properties in the state, at its Florida Preservation Conference.

This year’s list represents endangered historic resources in Florida’s Putnam, Saint Johns, Manatee, Broward, Alachua, Brevard, Duval, Franklin, Miami-Dade and Collier counties, covering a history of hundreds of years and a variety of architectural styles.

Each year, the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation announces its 11 to Save program as part of its Florida Preservation Conference. The program is designed to increase the public’s awareness of the urgent need to save Florida’s historic resources, and to empower local preservationists and preservation groups in their efforts to preserve Florida’s rich history.

Inclusion on the Florida’s 11 to Save is a starting point for the Florida Trust’s advocacy and education efforts, and are intended to be part of a collaborative effort to identify custom solutions for each property. Listings are not in any order of importance.

Federal Courthouse
Fort Lauderdale (Broward County)
Built 1979

Completed in 1979, the Federal Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale was designed by renowned modernist architect William “Bill” Morgan. Many of his buildings were inspired by the monumental, masonry structures of Mayan and other pre-Columbian cultures. One of Morgan’s more prominent civic commissions, the Courthouse can be classified as Brutalist – a mid-twentieth century architectural style perhaps most known for the use of rough or textured concrete. Among the building’s most striking feature is an open corner that visually and physically connects to an exterior, public courtyard.

In March of 2018, federal funding was allocated to demolish and replace the Courthouse as part of a larger, downtown project for Fort Lauderdale. The hope is that a solution can be found to retain and sensitively renovate and perhaps expand the building to meet current needs.

Hotel James
Palatka (Putnam County)
Built 1916

Located in Palatka, the Hotel James was designed by Jacksonville-based architect Henry John Klutho and was completed in six short months thanks in part to the steamer service on the St. Johns River. Inspired by the Prairie Style architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright, the Hotel’s brick and limestone exterior has strong horizontal lines juxtaposed to vertical piers of varying scale. Carved sculptural reliefs are displayed on the buildings monumental corner piers. The Hotel remained in operation until 1984 when it was adaptively used by a non-profit. The building was sold in 1990 to the current owner. It has remained unoccupied since 1992.

Although some maintenance efforts have been undertaken, the Hotel’s interior is in an advanced state of deterioration. The City of Palatka and Revitalize Historic Palatka, Inc., support the nominator’s goal of finding a new use for the building and having it contribute to the burgeoning renewal of Palatka’s historic downtown and waterfront.

Trinity Independent Methodist Church of Lincolnville
St. Augustine (St. Johns County)
Built 1913

Trinity Independent Methodist Church was established in 1821, chartered in 1870, and, for nearly two hundred years, served the largely African-American residents of St. Augustine’s storied Lincolnville neighborhood. Lincolnville was established by the Freedmen’s Aid Society in 1866 following the Civil War. The current church was completed in 1913. In 1964, at the height of the Civil Rights movement, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference used Trinity Independent Methodist as a headquarters to organize protests against racial discrimination in St. Augustine.

Deemed structurally unsafe, the Church was closed in 2014. Although in poor condition, the building retains much of its original architectural features like the stained glass windows. There is a movement to restore the Church and use it for worship and educational purposes including an exhibition on Lincolnville and the Civil Rights movement in St. Augustine.

Patten House
Ellenton (Manatee County)
Built 1895

Patten House was built in 1895 by Dudley Patten, the son of General George Patten who purchased the Gamble Plantation and moved his family from Savannah following the Civil War. Originally a one story, wooden structure, the House was expanded to include a second story, wrap around porch, and an early indoor toilet. For 99 years, the local chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy has cared for the interior of the building and opened it to the public. The State of Florida is responsible for exterior maintenance.

Termite and other damage resulted in Patten House being closed in 2014. The nominator is seeking creative solutions for preserving and interpreting the building.

Rochelle Church and School
Gainesville Area (Alachua County)
Built 1890 (Church) and 1895 (School)

The small community of Rochelle was once named Perry Junction in recognition of Florida Governor Madison Starke Perry, whose plantation was nearby. In 1882, the area was renamed Rochelle to honor the family of Martha Perry, the Governor’s wife. By the mid-1880s, Rochelle had become a stop on the Florida Southern and later Plant Railways, as they made their way across the state and south from Jacksonville to the Tampa area. Today, remnants from this critical period of Florida’s growth include a Gothic Revival style wooden church built in 1890 and an 1895 Italianate style school building initially named the Martha Perry Institute.

Abandoned decades ago, these vestiges of old Florida are threatened by lack of maintenance and use. The nominator hopes to create a coalition of concerned citizens to identify a new steward and begin the process of restoration.

Green Gables
Melbourne (Brevard)
Built 1896

Green Gables is a rare surviving example of Victorian-era architecture that predates the official founding of Melbourne. The Queen Anne style residence was built in 1896 as the home of inventor and industrialist William T. Wells. The Wells family was instrumental in the early growth and success of the Melbourne area, funding the construction of an auditorium, donating park land, and supporting the establishment of the first secondary school and library.

Today, Green Gables is in need of repair and threatened by development. Green Gables at Historic Riverview Village, Inc. was formed in 2010 is response to the loss of historic properties in southern Brevard County and the City of Melbourne. The group’s goal is to purchase the building and restore the former home as a center for community engagement.

Richmond Hotel
Jacksonville (Duval County)
Built ca.1909

A 48-room hotel with commercial space on the ground floor, the Richmond Hotel was opened around 1909 in LaVilla, an independent city that was once known as the Harlem of the South due to its rich cultural and music scene. During the Jim Crow era, the Hotel was operated by Alice Kirkpatrick and included in the Green Book – a published list of businesses that would serve African American travelers. At that time, Richmond Hotel guests included celebrated Black entertainers such as Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, Ella Fitzgerald, and Billie Holiday.

The building has been significantly modified over time. However, it does remain partially occupied. The nominator hopes the listing will help ensure that the Richmond Hotel is preserved and bring much needed attention to significant sites associated with African American culture and history.

Raney House Museum
Apalachicola (Franklin County)
Built 1838, modified ca.1850

A Virginian by birth, David G. Raney relocated to Apalachicola and built his home in 1838 when the City was a major Gulf Coast port for the cotton industry. Originally designed in the Federal style, the house was substantially renovated around 1850 and embellished with Greek Revival style details including a wrap-around porch. The Raney family owned the house until 1914 when it was purchased by the City and opened as a house museum.

Today, cracking and destabilization of the foundation has led to water ingress and damaged the electrical. The nominator hopes to implement a multi-phased plan that includes repairing the structural system and building envelope, updating systems, and refurbishing interior materials and features.

Marjorie Stoneman Douglas House
Miami (Dade County)
Built 1926

Marjorie Stoneman Douglas described her residence as “a workshop, more than a house.” A half timber and stucco building resembling an English country cottage, the house was a place where she did much of her intellectual work and writing including the seminal, 1947 book Everglades: River of Grass that advocated their conservation. The house was purchased by the state in 1991 as the home of “one of Florida’s most distinguished citizens.”

The Stoneman House was damaged by Hurricane Irma and is in need of a long-range maintenance and strategic plan for its preservation.

Westminster Woods at Julington Creek Retirement Center
Jacksonville Area (St. John’s County)
Built 1964

A retirement community, Westminster Woods was designed in 1964 by mid-century modern architect Robert “Bob” Broward. While undertaking a fellowship at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin, Broward, a native Floridian, was introduced to the renowned architect’s concept of organic architecture. Westminster Woods, reflecting the tenets of organic architecture, was designed to be in harmony with its site – preserving the trees and natural features and affording views of the St. Johns River. The one-story, residential buildings are connected by covered walkways and were designed to be accessible to elderly residents. The project won a National Honor Award for the American Institute of Architects.

Westminster Woods is threatened with potential demolition and redevelopment. The nominator would like to raise public awareness and find a solution for preserving the architecture and a community much beloved by its residents.

Bank of Everglades
Everglades City (Collier County)
Built 1927

George W. Storter, Jr. opened a trading post in 1892 in what was then known as Everglade. The area became popular among norther visitors who came to hunt and fish. Today, the small town of Everglades City boasts a number of historic buildings including the Everglades Bank. Opened in 1927, the Bank was designed in a Neoclassical style by architect William O. Sparklin who was also responsible for the Everglades City Courthouse.

After being used as a boarding house and, more recently, a bed and breakfast, the historic bank is no longer occupied. The nominator wishes to see the building preserved and a sensitive new use identified.

About the Florida Trust
The Florida Trust for Historic Preservation is the state’s non-profit dedicated to protecting Florida’s extraordinary heritage and history. Founded in 1978, the Florida Trust has collaborated to save irreplaceable Florida treasures like the Historic Florida Capitol and is a statewide partner of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Learn more at FloridaTrust.org

University of North Florida Osprey Athletes Post Record Classroom Performance

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With the conclusion of the 2017-18 academic year, the University of North Florida Athletic Department is celebrating the extension of one of its most impressive streaks as UNF student-athletes recorded their seventh full academic year with a cumulative department GPA of 3.0 or higher.

“Our student-athletes continue to raise the banner of success higher and higher,” said UNF Athletic Director Lee Moon. “It’s exciting to see all of our teams excel in the classroom, representing the academic success of our University in such a consistent way.”

Following a 3.324 cumulative GPA in the fall, North Florida student-athletes amassed a 3.415 cumulative GPA during the spring semester, assisting the Department in finishing the academic year with a 3.370 GPA. The final spring GPA marked the 14th consecutive semester North Florida Athletics boasted a GPA of 3.0 or higher and also established a new Department record for highest cumulative GPA.

All 19 UNF varsity teams recorded a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher for the fourth successive semester—two full academic years—highlighted by all 11 women’s programs finishing with a GPA of 3.30 or higher, a first in Athletic Department history. The women’s cross-country team led all programs with a 3.761 GPA, while men’s soccer topped the male programs with a 3.401 GPA. Additionally, 29 student-athletes notched perfect 4.0 GPAs for the spring semester.

The mission of UNF’s Intercollegiate Athletic Program is to provide a high-level, broad-based program of intercollegiate athletics for student-athletes who demonstrate academic and athletic excellence. The Athletic Program is committed to the principles of fairness, gender equity and community involvement as well as moral and fiscal responsibility. The Program reflects the athletic interests of Northeast Florida, bringing identity and recognition to the University.

Gov. Scott Awards More Than 220 Veterans with Veterans Service Award at the National Guard Armory in Deland

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Governor Rick Scott visited the National Guard Armory in Deland and awarded 224 veterans with his Governor’s Service Medal. Since 2013 Governor Scott has awarded more than 14,500 veterans with the Governor’s Veterans Service Medal.

The following Florida veterans were highlighted during today’s ceremony:

Staff Sergeant Ryan Bounds

Staff Sergeant Ryan Bounds enlisted in the Army at 17 years old, and has served for 14 years. He served in Operation Noble Eagle and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Among his many awards and achievements, he has received the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon and the Global War on Terrorism Service Ribbon.

Sergeant Christopher Creese

Sergeant Christopher Creese has served for 17 years, and deployed to Iraq in 2009. Among his many awards and commendations, he has received the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Overseas Service Ribbon and the National Defense Service Medal.

Master Chief Charles Mayer

Master Chief Charles Mayer joined the Navy in 1959 during the Vietnam War. He continued to serve for 25 years before retiring in 1984. Among his many awards and commendations, he has received the Good Conduct Medal, two Navy Commendation Medals, the Navy Expedition Medal, the Armed Forces Expedition Medal and the Meritorious Unit Medal.

Lance Corporal Charles Williams

Lance Corporal Charles Williams joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1965. He was deployed to Vietnam as a Rifleman and participated with his unit in 14 campaigns in support of efforts against the North Vietnamese Army. For their part in the war, his unit was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation and Lance Corporal Williams received the Purple Heart for his injuries sustained in combat. Today, he focuses his talents on assisting veterans as the Commander of the Orange Baker Memorial American Legion Post 187 in DeLand.

Mast Secures Commitment to Authorize EAA Southern Storage Reservoir

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Congressional Water Infrastructure Leaders
Pressure Army Corps to Expedite Review

Rep. Mast hosts Chairman Shuster in Stuart, Fla. on
January 31, 2017 to discuss discharges and water quality.

U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-18) today announced that he has secured a commitment from Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster and Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Chairman Garret Graves to include authorization of the EAA Reservoir as part of this year’s Water Resources and Development Act (WRDA) as soon as the Army Corps completes its required review of the Post-Authorization Change Report. Rep. Mast serves as Vice Chairman of the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee.

“Authorization of this storage reservoir is a priority, and we are committed to including authorization of this project in this year’s Water Resources and Development Act (WRDA) pending [the Army Corps’] timely and favorable recommendation,” Chairmen Shuster and Graves wrote in a letter led by Rep. Mast to the Army Corps on May 22, 2018.

Late last week, Rep. Mast convened a meeting with Chairmen Shuster, Chairman Graves and Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works R.D. James (who overseas the Army Corps of Engineers) to discuss the importance of the EAA reservoir. Before inclusion of the authorization in the Water Resources and Development Act, the Army Corps must compete its review of a Post-Authorization Change Report. The Committee leaders urged the Army Corps to expedite review of the proposal and committed to including authorization of the project in WRDA pending the Army Corps’ favorable recommendation.

Following the meeting, the Members of Congress sent a follow-up letter to the Army Corps. Click here to read the full letter.